What's everyone's thoughts on medication suitable for PTSD?:dontknow:
Previously I have been on lexapro, which didn't stop my maladaptive coping mechanisms despite increases in the dosage.
I've been off that for over a year now, and doing 'okay'.
A few months back I went to a new GP who says she understands trauma, and she feels that my painkiller usage & drinking is me saying I need antidepressants. I'm not an abuser of drugs or alcohol but what I do take from time to time is not ideal according to the GP, but not cause for alarm. She said suggested starting on a low doze of Zoloft.
My therapist is 'careful' about commiting to this. When I mentioned Zoloft, she said 'well that's a very clinical medical based answer from a GP' and 'im not sure if that's the solution for you, but you need to make the decision'.
Amongst other stuff my therapist has said about having to confront the trauma head on. I think her concern is that because I repress/supress a lot, that I will use the AD's to numb myself & not proactively go forward with the trauma work, and right now I'm just starting to get right into the whole sorry business. She feels I'm hitting a peak and going through the worst of it, but to keep going don't stop now.
However - this past fortnight has been crap, and my insomnia is shocking. Broken sleep & not falling asleep until 2, 3 in the morning is one thing, but ZERO sleep is turning me into the Bitch straight from Hell. :crazy-eye
My therapist has suggested that in this case I do get sleeping tablets but it is only temporary and she will be keep a close bloody eye on it so I don't use it as a crutch. She also said if I want to inquire about AD's then that is my choice.
When things are bad I turn to either; nurofen plus (which has the codeine), frisium (prescribed by a previous doctor which is like valium) and phernergan (anti histamine over the counter). But the frisium does bugger all now, and the others little impact. The wine usage goes out of control and I'm not even fully aware of how much I drink. Sometimes half a bottle, sometimes one bottle, very very rarely I go over a bottle.
Then I will go for weeks without touching a drug, and drinking only in moderation i.e. the recommended australian allowance (2 x 100 mls of wine, 2 alcohol free days per week).
This has become incredibly long, forgive me I am sleep deprived.:crazy:
The question is; do you try & do this trauma work medication free or do you take medication to assist with the trauma work and if so what meds?
Previously I have been on lexapro, which didn't stop my maladaptive coping mechanisms despite increases in the dosage.
I've been off that for over a year now, and doing 'okay'.
A few months back I went to a new GP who says she understands trauma, and she feels that my painkiller usage & drinking is me saying I need antidepressants. I'm not an abuser of drugs or alcohol but what I do take from time to time is not ideal according to the GP, but not cause for alarm. She said suggested starting on a low doze of Zoloft.
My therapist is 'careful' about commiting to this. When I mentioned Zoloft, she said 'well that's a very clinical medical based answer from a GP' and 'im not sure if that's the solution for you, but you need to make the decision'.
Amongst other stuff my therapist has said about having to confront the trauma head on. I think her concern is that because I repress/supress a lot, that I will use the AD's to numb myself & not proactively go forward with the trauma work, and right now I'm just starting to get right into the whole sorry business. She feels I'm hitting a peak and going through the worst of it, but to keep going don't stop now.
However - this past fortnight has been crap, and my insomnia is shocking. Broken sleep & not falling asleep until 2, 3 in the morning is one thing, but ZERO sleep is turning me into the Bitch straight from Hell. :crazy-eye
My therapist has suggested that in this case I do get sleeping tablets but it is only temporary and she will be keep a close bloody eye on it so I don't use it as a crutch. She also said if I want to inquire about AD's then that is my choice.
When things are bad I turn to either; nurofen plus (which has the codeine), frisium (prescribed by a previous doctor which is like valium) and phernergan (anti histamine over the counter). But the frisium does bugger all now, and the others little impact. The wine usage goes out of control and I'm not even fully aware of how much I drink. Sometimes half a bottle, sometimes one bottle, very very rarely I go over a bottle.
Then I will go for weeks without touching a drug, and drinking only in moderation i.e. the recommended australian allowance (2 x 100 mls of wine, 2 alcohol free days per week).
This has become incredibly long, forgive me I am sleep deprived.:crazy:
The question is; do you try & do this trauma work medication free or do you take medication to assist with the trauma work and if so what meds?